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Anatomy of an ATV: Drive Belt

Systems: Drive

Commonly Located: Drive belts are present only on ATVs and UTVs with an automatic transmission. The drive belt is located behind the crankcase cover and in between the primary drive clutch and the driven clutch. Note that in older service manuals the clutches may be referred to as a pulley or a sheave.

Physical Description: The drive belt is a black rubber belt, oblong in shape, with a number of deep grooves along the inside and outside edges. The edges of the drive belt are slightly tapered inward.

There is often information printed along the ridges on the outside of the belt that indicate manufacturer, size, and direction. Depending on the belt manufacturer, there may be more or less information present.

Functions: The drive belt transfers power from the engine to the transmission. When the crankshaft turns, it turns the primary drive clutch, which squeezes the drive belt. (Note that the higher the RPM, the harder the primary drive clutch squeezes the belt.) This action pulls the belt and turns the driven clutch. The driven clutch turns the input shaft on the transmission, which applies power to the selected gear.

Maintenance Costs: Drive belts are considered a common wear item, and are therefore relatively inexpensive. When replacing a worn drive belt, it's good practice to upgrade to a heavy duty aftermarket belt. Scooter's Scooters stocks the EPI Severe Duty Belt with a one year warranty.